Fluocinolone acetonide is the active component in creams used to treat inflammatory and pruritic skin conditions. An intravitreal implant containing fluocinolone acetonide has been approved (US FDA, 2014) for the management of diabetic macular edema.

Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects

As an agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, fluocinolone acetonide modulates expression of genes containing the glucocorticoid response element (GRE). Although complex, the response appears to include inhibition of the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.